instructor

TRAINING MANUAL
basic steps LEVEL 2

English

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Copyright © 2011 Zumba Fitness, LLC | Zumba®, Zumba Fitness® and the Zumba Fitness logos are registered trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC
For licensed Zumba® Instructors only.
  
 

2   Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2

Written by Zumba Fitness, LLC.

   

© 2012 Zumba Fitness, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Zumba®, Zumba Fitness®, and
the Zumba Fitness logos are registered trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC.

Instructor
  Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2 3
  

This  ZUMBA®  BASIC  STEPS  LEVEL  2  is  the  intellectual  property  of  Zumba  Fitness,  LLC  located  
in  Hallandale,  Florida.  No  part  of  this  manual  may  copied  or  reproduced  in  any  manner  
without  the  express  written  authorization  of  Zumba  Fitness,  LLC.    
 

4   Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2

 Table of Contents
I. Purpose/Goals/Objectives .................................................................................................................... 1
Purpose/Goals ....................................................................................................................................................................1
Objectives ...........................................................................................................................................................................1
A Personal Note from Beto..................................................................................................................................................2

II. Building a Successful Career............................................................................................................... 3

Beto’s Insight for Instructor Success...................................................................................................................................3
Lessons Learned.................................................................................................................................................................4
Beto’s Key Ingredients: .......................................................................................................................................................5
The Subtle Element.............................................................................................................................................................5
Formula to Success: Power in Numbers.............................................................................................................................6
Networking ..........................................................................................................................................................................8

III. The ZUMBA® Formula ........................................................................................................................... 9

The Three Elements of the ZUMBA® Formula ....................................................................................................................9

IV. Zumbagram™ Music Map ................................................................................................................... 10

V. ZUMBA® Basic Steps for Level 2....................................................................................................... 11
Introduction .......................................................................................................................................................................11
ZUMBA® Basic Steps for Flamenco ..................................................................................................................................12
ZUMBA® Basic Steps for Samba .....................................................................................................................................13
ZUMBA® Basic Steps for Belly Dance..............................................................................................................................15
ZUMBA® Basic Steps for Soca.........................................................................................................................................17
ZUMBA® Basic Steps for Tango.......................................................................................................................................18
ZUMBA® Basic Steps for Quebradita ................................................................................................................................19

VI. History of the Rhythms ....................................................................................................................... 20

VII. Stylistic Separation ............................................................................................................................. 24
VIII. Fusion…………………………………………………………………………………………………………....25
Formula Fusion .................................................................................................................................................................25
Music Fusion .....................................................................................................................................................................26

IX. Choreography Options ....................................................................................................................... 27

X. Business Essentials............................................................................................................................ 29

  Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2 5

 I. Purpose/Goals/Objectives

Purpose/Goals
The purpose of the ZUMBA® Basic Steps Level 2 Instructor Training is:
1. To provide core steps for 6 rhythms.
2. To provide technique tips to enhance the style and flavor of each rhythm.
3. To reinforce the ZUMBA® formula.
4. To provide resources to help maintain industry professional status.
5. To provide the opportunity to network and expand resource possibilities.
6. To provide teaching tips.
7. To introduce formula and music fusion.
8. To provide choreography options.

Objectives
During the Instructor Training, the participants will:
1. Learn some of Beto’s tips and techniques to enhance your career as a successful ZUMBA®
Instructor.
2. Learn the core steps for the rhythms: flamenco, samba, belly dance, soca, tango, and quebradita.
3. Expand their choreography database.
4. Network with each other to expand their knowledge, ideas, moves, music options, and other
resources, helping to improve their classes and/or business.
5. Work together cohesively, in the ZUMBA® spirit.
6. Review resources on professional education and industry/business essentials.

Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2 1

 A Personal Note from Beto
There are so many experiences and lessons I’ve learned during my journey that I would love to share with
all of you, my ZUMBA® family. I would like to share just a few pointers that helped me realize my dream
and make it come true. I hope these pointers might help you!

1. Anything is possible! Anything is possible, but not first without a dream. Have a dream, believe
in it, and hold onto it. Ever since I was a boy, all I wanted to do was dance, dance all the time. Now
look at my life! But I’m not stopping here. There is more to my dream. Life is about the journey, not
just the destination. Have a destination in mind, but enjoy the journey and all that it brings to your
life along the way.

2. Passion and Perseverance – P&P! It took 20 years of consistent perseverance in supporting and
pursuing my passion. Without P&P, I wouldn’t have made it. I wouldn’t have this incredible
ZUMBA® family of instructors, and I wouldn’t have had the chance to be a part of your life, and for
you to be you a part of mine.

3. Silence sometimes says more than words. I learned that there are times when fewer words say
more than many words. Be careful in choosing your words and the amount of words you use every
time you speak. You don’t ever need to prove yourself through words. It’s always better to show
who you are through actions. Because actions truly speak louder than words.

4. You are a role model. You are a trainer of others. You are an inspiration to others. You are
making a difference in other people’s lives. This means that you are a role model. People look at
YOU as the definition of the ZUMBA® experience. As a role model, be sure to take the time to take
care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Physically: Take care of your body. Eat well, exercise even beyond your ZUMBA® classes, and
be a good physical role model to your students.

Mentally: Constantly learn, grow, and yearn for more knowledge and skills. Don’t settle for
comfort, ease or the status quo. Reach for more.

Spiritually: Take time to do things that make you happy!

My favorite analogy uses the combined symbolism of a historic event, David and Goliath, and the 2007
movie, 300, which depicts a historic event. I believe history is so rich in lessons and life experiences that
we can all learn and grow from great historical events. For me, when I first came to the U.S I felt like David
in the story of David and Goliath. All by myself in an unknown place, I had a big “monster” to face and
conquer. Years later, “facing insurmountable odds, their valor and sacrifice inspire all.” (This is a quote from
a synopsis about the movie 300). To me, this represents you and the entire ZUMBA® instructor family—my
Spartans who joined together to create and conquer!
 

2 Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2

 II. Building a Successful Career

Beto’s Insight for Instructor Success

Beto has key ingredients that help instructors surpass the challenges faced and drive them to accomplish a
successful career. Beto shares tips and techniques about dancing, but also about professionalism and life
as a ZUMBA® Instructor.

As Beto developed and expanded the ZUMBA® program, he faced difficult obstacles he didn’t expect.
Below is a simple diagram of Beto’s evolvement as an instructor and how he overcame instructor burnout.
G

C
B

A D

F
E

A. The Start—Beto started his adventure in a normal, forward progression method.

B. The Rise—Suddenly, his career and the popularity of the ZUMBA program took a marked and
sharp increase upward.
C. The First Peak—Beto enjoyed the fruits of his labor at the peak of the energy and excitement that
surrounded his classes and the ZUMBA program.
D. The Fall— Happened gradually
E. The Low Point—Beto found himself “burned out” and in what he now calls the “danger zone.” At
this point, he had a choice: Drop out of it, or pull up out of it.
F. The Recovery—Beto chose to pull out of the danger zone and started back on an upward swing.
G. Greater Heights—The drop-down and pull-up phases propelled him into even greater heights.

Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2 3

 Lessons Learned
Beto shares his firsthand experience because he hopes that ZUMBA® Instructors can learn from it.
Following is some advice from Beto:

Avoiding Burnout—There are several actions you can take to avoid the fall into burnout:
o Always look to tweak the small things. Oftentimes, it is the little things that make the biggest
difference. Critique yourself.
o Get your participants to be addicted to you, and then you will become addicted to them. The
sharing of energy and passion for each other will motivate and challenge you to be better.
Sometimes that challenge is the spark you need to stay fresh.
o Take Zumba® Instructor Training courses! Taking a ZUMBA Instructor Training will renew your
energy and refresh your ideas. In addition, feel free to take other workshops and courses in the
field of dance or group exercise. For example, go to a Latin dance studio and take salsa
classes.
o Take classes from other instructors. Get new music or movement ideas or just take a class to
“let go” and enjoy!

Dealing with Burnout—Perhaps it is too late and you have already headed toward or dipped into the
danger zone. Beto said he knew when he was in the burnout phase because his students were
starting to make some comments. “Don’t get defensive,” says Beto. Use those comments as a
springboard to step back, take a break, and re-evaluate.
o Take a break. Take some time off. How much time? You decide what is best for you; a few
days, a week or a few weeks. Don’t let the fear of “a better sub than you” or the reduction in
income stop you from taking a break. Taking a break is the best thing you can do for yourself
and your students.
o Your ZUMBA class will always be there when you get back. The ZUMBA program will never
get old or become old-fashioned, but sometimes an instructor will. Use your break to re-
evaluate or just to take some time away from your ZUMBA classes for a while.
o Remember a ZUMBA class is a very emotional type of workout. It is much more emotion-
based than dance-technique classes or other group exercise formats. ZUMBA Instructors have
to feel good about themselves and their classes. The time off will not only be good for your
body, but also for your mind, and your soul.
o It is OK and normal to experience a feeling of being burned out. If you do fall into the burnout
phase, don’t be hard on yourself. Know that it is OK. Know that it is normal. Know that it
happened to Beto too!

Beto says, “Expect your ZUMBA experience to go in different directions.” Embrace change, welcome
new ideas and direction, and allow the unknown to happen. Remember, teaching ZUMBA classes
is journey, not a destination. Enjoy the journey.
 

4 Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2

Beto’s Key Ingredients:
1. Passion—The primary key ingredient in Beto’s success is passion. Beto dances with passion and
it is this passion that motivates, encourages, excites, and energizes the participants.

2. Music—The music goes hand-in-hand with the passion element. Always choose music that moves
you, that allows you to dance with passion.

3. Flavor of the Beat—Find the true flavor in the beat. Feel the bass. Feel the accented beat. Beto
says, “It’s like a ghost . . . you don’t see it, but you know it’s there.” Dance with the instruments,
become the instruments.

4. Body Cueing—Use your body, eyes, and hand/arm signals to “lead into” the next musical
phrasing. The cues should be done in advance so students can anticipate a musical and
choreography change. Do not “cue as you do,” but rather cue in advance.

5. The “Secret” in a Move—Beto always has a certain pizzazz, zing, or zest in his movements. He
repeats a move until he feels that special essence that pulsates through the movement. Beto
points out to:
o Pay attention at all times to your hips and shoulders, shifting them with the accented (or
unaccented) beat.
o Play with the balance of the body and movement, sometimes scrunching your toes, sometimes
changing knee position, but always with your body in a wave.
o Keep your hips flowing, even though your legs may stop or pause.
o See more details in the section below.

The Subtle Element

While some of the leg combinations listed below are basic, and others more advanced, it is really the
rhythm of the body and flavor that make the move. Whether live and in person, or on the ZUMBA®
Instructor Network (ZIN™) choreography DVDs, watch how Beto moves. Points to look for:
• Is he on his toes/balls of feet?
• Is he on his heels?
• What are his knees doing?
• Watch when he adds an extra foot tap before or after a move.
• Where are his hips?
• Where are his shoulders?
• What are the angles of his hips and shoulders?
• Where/how is his ribcage/midsection in relationship to his hips and shoulders?

Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2 5

 • His body is always carrying the flow of the beat whether moving or standing still. Watch how he
carries the flow. Sometimes it’s an extra bounce in the body; sometimes it’s the side-to-side shake
of the hips. Sometimes it is so subtle, but it’s always there.
• Watch and feel for the balance.

Formula to Success: Power in Numbers

Cohesiveness among Instructors
As stated in the objectives at the start of this manual:

The ZUMBA® program is all about energy, passion, and vibrance. There is “power” in
numbers. As we evolve into a more advanced state; cooperation, cohesiveness, and team
attitude become more and more important. This does not mean that you have to work in a
group or with a group, but it means that all ZUMBA Instructors should be supportive,
encouraging, and positive about each other. ZUMBA Instructors who are advancing
themselves to the next level need to embrace and celebrate the differences among the
ZUMBA family.

You are indeed a professional ZUMBA Instructor. As a professional, everything you do and say is
representative of the ZUMBA program as a whole. Sometimes in this emotional, passion-based world, we
become so intensely caught up in the details that we can lose sight of the big picture. Sometimes our ego
gets too involved. A frequent comment about Beto is about his humility. Beto’s advice: “Leave your ego at
the door.”

ZIN™ Newsletter #3 had an article called, “As a ZUMBA® Professional…” This article provided some
insight about this topic and bears inclusion in this section of the manual.

6 Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2

As a ZUMBA® Professional . . .
“They” say that competition is good because it pushes us to be the best we can be. Indeed,
competition can be a catalyst toward reaching excellence. But competition needs to be viewed
in light of the big picture. The big picture is the end goal and end result. In this case, the end
goal is for you and the ZUMBA® concept to be successful. You cannot be successful if the
ZUMBA concept is not embraced and vice versa. So what does this all mean? It means that
you can and should use competition to push yourself to be a better instructor. But only be
competitive with yourself, do not be competitive with other instructors, otherwise the end result
could tarnish your name and/or the ZUMBA concept.

As most group exercise and dance instructors know, we tend to be somewhat fragile and
sensitive, yet we do love to stand strong and defend “our cause,” as we should. But
sometimes, we tend to become too defensive or too self-absorbed in the details, losing sight of
the big picture. Sometimes our vision narrows as we get pulled into less significant details,
such as “He said,” “She said” or “He this,” “She that.”

Always remember that if you promote the ZUMBA program as a whole, you will promote
yourself in the process. If you downplay another ZUMBA class or ZUMBA Instructor, then you
are downplaying yourself. We are all part of a big team and the big picture. Sometimes it is
difficult to remember that, and sometimes it is difficult to promote others when we are trying so
hard to be successful for ourselves. It makes it even more difficult when students start to pipe
in, “You are a better instructor than ____ is.”

We sometimes see other instructors as competition or not-as-qualified, and we tend to have a

competitive, self-defensive, or negative reaction. It may be human nature to react defensively,
but the sign of a premier professional is someone who can put the good of the “whole” first,
knowing that such an action will and can only return good back to him or her.

Try it! The next time you are the target of a verbal attack or rumor, instead of attacking back,
try loving back, be giving of yourself, be nice, be kind, be helpful, and speak only kind words.
The next time you are tempted to be pulled into the details and out of the big picture, stop
yourself. Make a concerted effort to say something nice, be helpful, be loving, or perform a
thoughtful deed. You will be amazed at the amount of respect and good energy that will be
returned to you. Good begets good.

The ZUMBA program is about fun, love, happiness, and energy. We are here to bring that
positive energy to our ZUMBA® participants. Keep that goal and the big picture as your
priority. As the saying goes, “Don't sweat the small stuff.” Let everything you do and say reflect
our mission of health, fun, and happiness. Use that in your behalf. Move forward only on your
best foot!

Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2 7

 Networking
You want to be the best you can be. How can you improve and move beyond just the basics? As with any
field in any industry; network, network, network. Each individual is full of talent, ideas, and unique traits.
Place a group of these individuals together and the resource pool multiplies exponentially. Networking and
cohesiveness work hand-in-hand. Networking helps you to grow as an individual, helps those around you to
grow, and helps expand the entire ZUMBA® concept and success. Utilize your human resources.

To begin this process, at this Instructor Training, you will be given the opportunity to ask questions—
network with your peers to help you build your confidence, knowledge, and/ or skills.

Questions & Answers—Notes:

8 Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2

 III. The ZUMBA® Formula

The Three Elements of the ZUMBA® Formula

The ZUMBA Formula: Z=MC2
ZUMBA = Music/Core Steps/Choreography
The ZUMBA formula makes the ZUMBA® program unique and revolutionary in the fitness world. The three
elements to the formula are in themselves not unique, but the combination of them results in a special,
new, and dynamic fitness experience!

1. Music—Music is the driving force and most important element of the ZUMBA formula. The sabor
of the music comes from the creativity, passion, and story that the artists have created. Instead of
the traditional fitness industry’s use of 32-count monotonous beats, the ZUMBA formula uses the
sabor to bring the party to the class. It’s this approach of letting the music drive the moves that puts
the ZUMBA program in a class all its own.

2. Core Steps—Each of the basic rhythms has a unique feel and authentic inspired steps. Within
each of the four basic rhythms, Beto has created basic movements. The ZUMBA formula applies a
systematic approach to each movement to add variety using arms, beat, rhythmic, directional and
fitness variations. The use of these variations creates an endless amount of options, all based on
the basic movements.

3. Choreography—The method of choreography that the ZUMBA formula uses is unique in the
fitness world. It uses the music to dictate the movements. As we mentioned in Step 1, the artists
wrote the songs to tell a story. All the musical stories are broken down into different sections: Intro,
Verse, Chorus, Musical Bridge, Tags, etc. The ZUMBA formula takes one of our basic movements
in the rhythm of a particular song and matches it to each section of the music. In the music,
whenever that section repeats itself, the same basic movement is repeated as well, so that each
musical section has a matching movement.

Example:

A. Verse: Merengue March

B. Chorus: Beto Shuffle

C. Verse: Merengue March

D. Bridge: Merengue 2

E. Chorus: Beto Shuffle

Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2 9

 IV. Zumbagram™ Music Map
Traditional fitness choreography is based on a pattern of 32-count phrases and stacked or blocked
segments. Instructors write out their choreography based on those blocked out segments. Because the
ZUMBA® formula uses the artist’s intended musical story, along with matching the musical segments to
basic steps, this method doesn’t fit.

Beto created an artistic vision of what the music looks like. The use of a Zumbagram music map gives a
complete visual roadmap of how a song is structured, not just in the changes of music, but what and where
the segments repeat.

Listen for the anatomy of a song and write the parts here:

10 Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2

 V. ZUMBA® Basic Steps for Level 2

Introduction
In this practical section of the Instructor Training, the Zumba® Education Specialist will lead you through
these steps for the rhythms.
1. Learn basic movements.
2. Add arm variations to the leg movements.
3. Add beat/rhythmic/directional variations.
4. Add fitness/athletic variations.
5. Add style, technique, and attitude into the movement. This is more advanced, but will be introduced
here. Style, technique, and attitude are developed with time and practice.

These rhythms are a little more specialized than the rhythms in the Zumba® Basic Steps Level 1 Instructor
Training. Therefore, the variations may or may not fall as neatly into the pattern for these movements.
However, the concept is still the same in that you can take basic movements (so that your ZUMBA® class
is easy and for everyone) and add on variations to them to add spice, excitement, fun, and interest!

Most importantly: As Beto says, “Of course you have to be able to do the moves, but it is more important
that your students can follow your movement.” Being a great dancer is not the key to being a great
ZUMBA® Instructor. You must be able to teach, and the students must be able to follow.

Note: The charts to follow may be difficult to understand as everyone “denotes” moves differently. The
accompanying DVD for this Instructor Training will review these moves and is a better method for
review/reminder for course participants. Use the charts to remind you to add variations from different
categories.

Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2 11

 ZUMBA® Basic Steps for Flamenco
Movement Arm Variations Beat/Rhythmic/Directional Fitness/Athletic
Variations Variations

1.
Flamenco Reach front 1 arm at a Add a clap clap Back lunges with
Side time, pick grapes S-S-D and variations directional variation
Reach 1 arm up (and it 45 degree core rotation Squats
comes down and out
to side)
“L” arms

2.
Step 3 in Push opposite arm Moving forward and back Grapevine with leg
Place, Lift (from knee) away or Move it right and left and touch abduction/adduction
inward “instep” with opposite arm
Rolling wrists/arms
around each other

3.
Bull Fighter Ole’ arms Lunge, squat lunge
Arms and Wrist circle and pull
Flamenco
Arms

TECHNIQUE TIPS:
• Hips stay neutral
• Lift upper body- add attitude and arms
• Stacked joints- knees over toes when toes turn out at a 45-degree angle

12 Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2

ZUMBA® Basic Steps for Samba
Movement Arm Variations Beat/Rhythmic/Directional Fitness/Athletic Variations
Variations

1.
Basic Samba Ball of the foot Half tempo Pony 1-2-3
Always show variations: Heel of the foot 4 walls
a. Tap R, L toe in front Flat footed
b. Mini step tap
c. Double tap R in front,
then L (bounce
bounce)
Samba songs will
dictate which variation
is the best to use.

2.
Samba Lunge Side arms Singles Lift knee on the “double”
Doubles
a. Show legs then
S-S-D
b. Hips w/legs

3.
Samba Cross Step Arms open side Samba cross step in one Cross with squat
repeat other leg Circle overhead direction then basic
Samba step
Repeat to other side

Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2 13

 ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS FOR SAMBA (CONTINUED)

Movement Arm Variations Beat/Rhythmic/Directional Fitness/Athletic Variations

Variations

4.
Samba Back Shoulder figure Slower—It’s 4 beats to one Capoeira
8 side
Faster—It’s 3 beats to one
side

TECHNIQUE TIPS:
• Shoulders do not bounce up and down (put crystal stemware on your shoulders)
• When front foot is in front, front thigh is in front (not opened like riding a horse, i.e. thighs are close)
• Salsa and Merengue hips swing medial/lateral while Samba hips swing flexion/extension
• Knee and ankle generate hip motion (core used more for stabilization)

14 Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2

ZUMBA® Basic Steps for Belly Dance
Movement Arm Variations Beat/Rhythmic/Directional Fitness/Athletic
Variations Variation

1.
Basic Stance: Egyptian hands Half tempo Squat
Squat Position Circle wrists up, cleo Tempo Side lunge
down Heel raises in squat
Jellyfish side to side position
Hip/shoulder: (3 count
move)
1. Open: One hand
on shoulder & other
on hip
2. Cross body
3. Open (Switch)
Flip hand from
shoulder to hip and
repeat

2.
Alternating Hips “L” arms Single leg- one hip Leg lift
Both arms up and out Turn in a circle
Walk forward and back

3.
Figure 8 Hips: Zill hands Singles Bend knees/go lower,
Forward 8 Doubles feet together

Backward 8 S-S-D

Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2 15

 ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS FOR BELLY DANCE (CONTINUED)

Movement Arm Variations Beat/Rhythmic/Directional Fitness/Athletic Variations

Variations

4.
Hip Shimmy Zill hands Hagalla- travel Bend knees, go lower

TECHNIQUE TIPS
• Movement comes from knees or core isolation
• Relax knees

16 Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2

ZUMBA® Basic Steps for Soca
Movement Arm Variations Beat/Rhythmic/Directional Fitness/Athletic Variations
Variations

1.
V Step Arms up V front, step forward and hip One V, one squat
Arms down rotational turn

2.
Knee lift Arm touch knee, Facing side walls 2 knee lift, one squat
opposite on the head Grapevine with knees
Arm circle up
Arm circle down

3.
Beto Plane Plane arms Travel forward half tempo, travel Step front and back, add
back tempo lunge, alternate
Step forward/step back

4.
Horse Stirring the pot 4 walls/arms half tempo Reverse horse
(Knees in) Riding horse 4 horse/4 leg lift arrow
Michael Jackson arm arms

Cowboy overhead

TECHNIQUE TIPS
• Attitude
• Bend knees, stay low
• Lift chest

Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2 17

 ZUMBA® Basic Steps for Tango
Movement Arm Variations Beat/Rhythmic/Directional Fitness/Athletic
Variations Variation

1.
Six Count Arms on waist Half tempo Bigger ROM and squat
Arms to the sides Tempo
Partner arms Waltz tempo

2.
Forward and Back Partner arms Walk forward 3, tap 3 Bigger ROM and knee
Walk back 3, tap 3 lift

Add the turn to the back

3.
Tango Crosses Arms out to the sides S-S-Q-Q-S Knee lift
Partner arms S-S-S-Q-Q-S
S-S-S-S-Q-Q-Q-Q-hold

4.
Tap Out/In Step Slide Extended diagonal 4 walls Leg lift
arms Zig zag

TECHNIQUE TIPS
• Attitude
• Bend knees, stay low
• Lift chest

18 Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2

ZUMBA® Basic Steps for Quebradita
Movement Arm/Body Variations Beat/Rhythmic/Directional Fitness/Athletic
Variations Variations

1.
Quebradita Basic Belt arms S-S-D Biceps/triceps
Arms up Doubles
Cowboy Forward/Back
Partner 4 walls

2.
Andale Step Swinging up and 4 walls ROM
down Biceps/triceps
Elbows toward knee
Cowboy hat

3.
Quebrada Step Cowboy hat 2 forward/3 jump back Lift leg up
2 arms S-S-D Increase ROM
Squat
Rear delt

4.
Pendulo Step Arms: Pump Doubles Obliques
Body: Kick Rock forward and back Biceps/triceps
Cross the legs

TECHNIQUE TIPS
• Everything has a bounce
• Absorb the bounce- soft landing

Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2 19

 VI. History of the Rhythms
Flamenco
“Flamenco is a Spanish musical genre with strong, rhythmic undertones and is often accompanied
with a similarly impassioned style of dance characterized by its powerful yet graceful execution, as
well as its intricate hand and footwork. Flamenco embodies a complex musical and cultural
tradition. Although considered part of the culture of Spain in general, flamenco actually originates
from one region: Andalusia (and has influences from Gypsy, Muslim, and Jewish cultures).
However, other areas . . . have contributed to the development of several flamenco musical forms.”
This definition is from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flamenco. Most of the information for this section was obtained from Wikipedia.
Copyright permission was given through the GNU Free Documentation License as described in:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Copyrights

Flamenco songs often incorporate a lot of guitar and are known for the sounds of handclapping, finger
snapping, tongue clicking, knuckle gnashing, etc. One of flamenco’s characteristics is a portrayal of a
“strong attitude” throughout the body along with deliberate leg movements. In the ZUMBA® program, some
of the moves are related to the “picking of the grapes” for wine production.

There are many different styles and flavors of flamenco. There are styles in different measures of 2/4, 3/4,
and 4/4. A common and unique-to-flamenco style is the 12-beat cycle/rhythm, which in itself has variations
of accented beats and therefore is difficult to contain/describe within the classical measure.

Beto chose to primarily use the rumba flamenca style because it has an easy-to-move-to 4/4 rhythm
structure. Keep in mind that the ZUMBA® program modifies the flamenco to make it “easy” so that
“everyone can do it.” Therefore as with all the rhythms, the ZUMBA program does not teach this dance
style in its purest performance form.
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Note: Oftentimes, there is an accent on the third beat.
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
med med hard med med med hard med

Samba
Samba is a lively, upbeat, and festive syncopated rhythm from Brazil. The samba music rhythm has been
danced in Brazil since the late 19th century. There is actually a set of dances, rather than a single dance,
that define the Samba dancing scene in Brazil. Another known type of samba is the ballroom samba, which
differs significantly from the Brazilian samba.

Samba is generally in 2/4 time but the syncopation of the music makes it feel like a very fast 3 / 4 time. The
BPM ranges around 100 but it feels much faster because of the syncopated 3 beats within each main beat.
  1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2
1-2-3 1-2-3 1-2-3 1-2-3 1-2-3 1-2-3 1-2-3 1-2-3

20 Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2

Belly Dance
Belly dance is a Western name for an Arabic style of dance developed in the Middle East called raqs
sharqi, which means “dance of the East/Orient” and is a creation of Orientalism. (Also known as raqs
baladi—national or fold dance). The exact origin of this dance form is actively debated. Because this dance
is a fusion of many dance styles, it undoubtedly has many different origins—many of them in ethnic folk
dances.

For example, some believe belly dance is a direct descendant of Ancient Egyptian dances because of the
similarities of the poses in the artwork. Others believe it is a religious dance in origin. Another theory is that
it was an ancient birthing ritual where the movements of the belly and hips were an exercise to help
strengthen those muscles and aid in the birthing process. Regardless of its origin, belly dance is now
known in many countries around the world.

The key to belly dance is to communicate to the audience the emotion, passion and rhythm of the music. Of
course, many people relate the Zills (finger cymbals) as a well-known feature of belly dance, which are
used to enhance the music and the flavor. The dance techniques are a dance of circular motions isolating
one part of the body as well as using the “pop and lock” to create shimmies. It is also a dance of great
flexibility, balance, isolation, and entertainment.

In the ZUMBA® program, we use some of the basic movements in belly dance, but again, our goal is not to
be (as instructors) professional belly dancers and true to form. Nor do we expect our students to be 100
percent true to form. The ZUMBA program takes the basic movements and modifies them, at times, to
make them “easy” for “everyone” to be able to do.

There are many rhythms in belly dance, but a commonly recognized rhythm is:
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Doom Doom (pause) tek Doom (pause) tek (pause)

The “pauses” allow drummers to fill-in rhythmic beats of their choice. Here is a commonly used “fill-in”
rhythmic beat for the above base rhythm structure:
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Doom Doom (teka) tek Doom (teka) tek (pause)

Soca
Soca is a form of dance music which originated in the islands of Trinidad and Tobago from calypso music.
Soca is a modern form of calypso with an up-tempo beat. It originally combined the melodic lilting sound of
calypso with insistent percussion (which is often electronic in recent music) and local chutney music.

The difference between soca and calypso is basically in the musical cadence; the feel in the hit of the
drums, percussion and instrumentation. Most of the modern rhythms such as reggaeton, ragga and reggae
are derived from soca beats. Soca music has evolved in the last 20 years primarily by musicians from
various Anglophone Caribbean countries including Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Barbados.

Soca tempo: from 110 to 115 bpm (low)

Soca tempo: from 135 to 160 bpm (carnival style)

Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2 21

 Soca dance cadence (movement) hips (out)

Oftentimes soca is shown having a 6/8 rhythm or a 4/4 rhythm. For simplicity’s sake, the ZUMBA program
uses the 4/4 rhythm structure to make it easy so that everyone can do it.
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
hard hard hard hard hard hard hard hard

Tango
Tango is a musical genre but is more commonly associated with the dance forms that originated in
Argentina and Uruguay. There are several different styles of tango. The two most commonly known are the
ballroom tango and the Argentine tango.

As with many historical developments, the exact and true origin often has varying theories and
perspectives.

One story of tango in Argentina was during the time when there were an overwhelming number of men to
women. So in order for a man to win a women's heart, he had to be a good dancer. Men would practice
with each other, but when it came time at a formal dance, the men would have to prove to the women they
could dance. It was almost like a dance battle as it is today. Tango is an extremely passionate dance. It is a
dance of courtship. The man that could dance the best was the most sought after.

In the ZUMBA® program, we recognize and pay tribute to this very strong form of dance. We do not use
the partner technique, but rather, we’ve borrowed and modified some of the basic steps to add the drama
and passion to a ZUMBA® class. Again, we do not expect our students to be 100 percent true to form. The
ZUMBA program takes some basic movements and modifies them to make them “easy” for “everyone” to
be able to do.

A commonly recognized tango rhythm is:

1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Slow — Slow — Quick Quick Slow —

Quebradita
Quebradita is a combination of the traditional music of Sinaloa, Mexico, techno music and cumbia rhythms.
Quebradita became popular in the 1990s. The Banda movement swept the southwest United States
(Texas, California, Arizona) in the early 1990s. This is where the biggest market for this music is, mainly
because the area settled by Mexican immigrants who find banda music a way of having a tie with their
country.

A typical banda is made up of brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The most notable instrument
is the tambora, which is a type of bass drum; the head made from animal hide, and a cymbal on top.
  Bandas were previously called "tamboras," named after this drum. The tambora is played in a strong and
embellished manner, which provides the drive for the rest of the band. The percussion section also includes
the tarola, which is a snare with timbales which would resemble the tom-toms or regular drums.  

22 Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2

With fun and explosive music, quebradita is typically danced with the man holding the woman's waist very
tightly and placing his right leg between the woman's legs. Alternating their feet, they go all around the
ballroom doing some small jumps or quebradas (the man bends making the woman go backwards with her
back straight). Along with the music and the dance came a specific dress code, vaquero or cowboy style;
jeans, boots and a hat. Keep in mind that the ZUMBA® program modifies the quebradita to make it easy so
that everyone can do it.
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
hard med hard med hard med hard med

Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2 23

 VII. Stylistic Separation
Dance is defined by a series of movements that match the speed and rhythm of a piece of music. Styles
will vary immensely both by time period and region, often with intricate footwork patterns, body actions, and
rhythmic interpretations.

In the ZUMBA® Basic Steps Level 1 Instructor Training, four rhythms are taught (merengue, salsa, cumbia
and reggaeton), each having four core steps with many variation options. Stylistically these rhythms are
unique. By understanding and applying the innuendoes that emphasize these differences, an instructor is
able to make each rhythm distinct while at the same time introduce the opportunity to combine rhythms.
This is called STYLISTIC SEPARATION.

Simple application of these principles, emphasizing the flavor and the uniqueness of ZUMBA®
FITNESS, will take the instructor to a higher presentation level. These suggestions will apply to all of the
ZUMBA® International Rhythms introduced in our Instructor Trainings and DVDs.

Listed below are examples of stylistic separation and how we can apply this concept to a few of the core
steps taught in the ZUMBA® Basic Steps Level 1 Instructor Training:

Examples:

Traveling Side Step- see how different this step looks in the following rhythms:
• Merengue- “2 Step”
• Salsa- “2 Step”
• Reggaeton- “”Bounce”
• Cumbia- “Sleepy Leg”

Forward and Back Step- see how different this step looks in the following rhythms:
• Merengue- “March”
• Cumbia- “Right Leg Front and Back, Left Leg Front and Back”
• Salsa- “Salsa Front and Back”
 

24 Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2

 VIII. Fusion
The ZUMBA® formula is the foundation and basis of the ZUMBA® program. The use of the passion of the
music and the structure of the song (verse, chorus, etc.) drives the choreography. This is our signature in
the industry. Our DVDs provide choreography options that you can use as is or adapt to your individual
needs and teaching style. The ZUMBA program encourages freedom of creativity and individuality.

In ZUMBA® Basic Steps Level 1, we stress adherence to the formula in order to give everyone the true
“sense” of the ZUMBA program’s structure. In ZUMBA® Basic Steps Level 2, we introduce formula fusion
and music fusion. Most importantly, dances still need to be “fun” and “easy” so “everyone” can follow.
ZUMBA® steps should never be a choreography challenge or a struggle. Dances that are too difficult for
anyone to follow will lose the basis, spirit, and magic of the ZUMBA program.

A recommendation for having freedom within the structure of a ZUMBA® class is use of the magic number
70.
• Beto says that music is 70 percent of the success of your class.
• The ZUMBA program requires that 70 percent of your class is a mix of international rhythms (and
therefore, not 75 percent salsa or 80 percent reggaeton or 65 percent belly dance, etc.)
• 70 percent of the class should follow the ZUMBA formula on song structure. This gives participants
familiarity, safety, and the comfort level of expectations. But as you know, Beto always adds in
spice and variety to keep his classes fresh and innovative.

Formula Fusion
Instructors may start fusing steps together to increase or enhance their choreography. This is called
FORMULA FUSION. Some deviation from the formula may occur to give your more advanced or longtime,
loyal students some different variations.

Examples for belly dance:

• Combination #1
o Legs- Instep R,L
Turnout R, L
o Arms- Cut L cut R
Egyptian
L, R
• Combination #2
o Legs- R knee in, out, step forward, then L
Jellyfish arms quick quick slow 2x
Shake & walk back
o Arm variation- Stacked/cross in front

Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2 25

 Music Fusion
Within ZUMBA® fitness music, you will hear rhythms being combined on top of each other as well as
different parts of the song being represented by a separate style. This is called MUSIC FUSION. This
collaboration of the different forms of music makes it richer and more cultured. This fusion allows music to
have new and exciting tempos, accents, arrangements, and flavors. Understanding the fusion of rhythms
used in each song will help to enrich the experience for the participants as well as the instructor.

Examples:
• Salsa with a belly dance breakdown in the middle of the song
• Merengue with a reggaeton beat throughout the whole song
• Chinese, belly dance, African, calypso
• Salsa, reggaeton, cha cha
• Reggaeton, belly dance, samba
• Tango, hip-hop

26 Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2

 IX. Choreography Options
For the remaining 30 percent of the class, use your own creativity by adding songs that may be popular in
your country or region. The following choreography options may also be used.

Important Note: It is not recommended that more than two of these options be used per ZUMBA®
class. Too much variety leads to confusion. It is recommended that one of these options be used for
several weeks until participants know how to “line up” quickly, before introducing another technique.
Otherwise, too much class time is spent getting organized.

A. Four walls
Choose a movement and repeat it a number of times facing one wall.
Choose another move and repeat it a number of times facing wall #2.
Choose another move and repeat it a number of times facing wall #3.
Choose another move and repeat it a number of times facing wall #4.
Reverse, using the same or different move while:
• staying in place
• moving side to side
• moving front and back
*This is a great technique to give attention to everyone, not just the front row.

B. Circular
Bring the class together in a large circle (or two circles—one inside the other).
Movement choices:
• direct participants to travel clockwise with one movement pattern
• change direction, travel counterclockwise with moves
• participants travel into the center of the room to collapse the circle and travel back to
expand the circle

C. Train
Line participants up one behind another to form a train and travel throughout the room.

D. Parallel lines
Separate participants into two parallel lines.
Directional variations:
• face each other
• face one of the four walls
• line up behind each other
• travel down the middle
*Another great option to take the focus off the front row of students and to allow all participants to
be engaged.

Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2 27

 CHOREOGRAPHY OPTIONS (CONTINUED)
E. The Battle- Beto’s favorite!
• Ask participants to face the middle of the room (dividing the class into two groups facing
each other)
• The first group travels toward the middle of the room for 8-32 counts performing a basic
movement and then returns to their original spot
• The second group chooses to repeat the first half’s move or create their own move
• This “competition” continues, back and forth
• The group that is not moving in and out should be performing a basic movement in place
to keep their heart rate up
Notes
 

28 Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2

 X. Business Essentials
At the conclusion of this or any ZUMBA® Instructor Training course, you will receive a license to market
and conduct classes in the program you have completed. As a ZUMBA® instructor you are running your
own small business. Each instructor is an independent contractor and chooses his or her own level of
involvement. For some, teaching a ZUMBA® class is a part-time, fun hobby; for others, it is a full-time
career. Whatever your choice is, you should be aware of certain business essentials.
Professional Certification and Education
As with any reputable occupation, to be considered a fitness professional, you should keep up-to-date on
the latest research, trends and news as they relate to your career development. Knowledge and application
of the principles, flavor and uniqueness of ZUMBA® Fitness is essential to be an instructor. The ability to
educate your students, though, will put you over the top. Educating ourselves, as well as our students
needs to be an important priority.
It is not mandatory for participants to have a professional certification in order to be able to attend a
ZUMBA® Instructor Training. It is the responsibility of an instructor to be informed of the requirements,
qualifications and licenses or certifications needed to conduct business or teach fitness wherever you teach
fitness classes. Each country and employer may set forth their own regulations that you may have to follow
in order to be considered eligible for employment. As independent business professionals, you are
responsible for determining what these may be. Examples may include fitness and/or CPR certifications,
liability insurance, music licenses, etc. For more information, visit ZIN™ Home at zumba.com.
Zumba® Instructor Network (ZIN™) - Career Development System
Zumba Fitness is committed to providing the tools necessary to help ZUMBA® Instructor Network (ZIN™)
members reach a high level of expertise and proficiency. To help instructors sustain their status, Zumba
Fitness provides numerous continuing education opportunities.
The ZUMBA® Instructor Network (ZIN™) was created based on requests from instructors from around the
world to help provide them with the support they need to be successful. Based on this feedback, some of
the benefits provided through the ZIN program are resources, education opportunities, discounts, music
and choreography, to name a few. As an additional benefit, Zumba Fitness licenses its arsenal of world-
class trademarks and logos exclusively to ZIN Members.
Resources, Discounts and Support
We encourage you to check our webpage periodically to access the most up to date information regarding
education, resources, opportunities and discounts that are available for you. There is also an extensive list
of professional organizations worldwide that will help your ZUMBA® career, providing certifications,
continuing education and networking opportunities. This information is updated on a regular basis as we
are continually adding opportunities, benefits and discounts for our ZIN™ Members globally to help
enhance their business and education.

Instructor Training Manual—ZUMBA® BASIC STEPS LEVEL 2 29

  
 

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the Zumba Fitness logos are registered trademarks of Zumba Fitness, LLC.